Second Federal (Union) Occupation and "Valley Forge" Period

Creation of the Cavalry Corps

Hooker’s most significant reform was the creation of the Army of the Potomac’s Cavalry Corps. Combining all cavalry elements in the army into a single large organization of 17,000 men and horses, dramatically increased the operational possibilities. The Cavalry Corps could fight as a single unit, conduct large scale raids, or fight with individual divisions and brigades. Leadership development for a rising crop of young cavalry commanders was facilitated by this change. Over the next two years, beginning with its Stafford birth, the Cavalry Corps would become the decisive force within the Army of the Potomac.